Mars remains an evening fixture, Saturn is nearing opposition, and Venus and Jupiter meet in the predawn sky Aug. 12.

Moon ventures are increasingly becoming a "stepping stone" as the space industry's enthusiasm rallies around Mars.

August brings Saturn and Neptune together, offers two shadow transits of Titan, and sees a conjunction of Venus and Jupiter.

A moon and Mars simulation station will be launched in Ladakh on August 1. Two scientists will begin a 10-day isolation mission, studying psychological, physiological, and epigenetic effects.